Amy Adams’ rep: ‘Valentino photo is appalling’

Executives at fashion house Valentino have issued a public apology to Amy Adams after they were accused of promoting a new handbag by releasing a picture of the actress carrying the purse at Philip Seymour Hoffman’s wake.

The Oscar nominee was photographed carrying the red leather bag on Thursday, when she attended a memorial in New York in honor of her “Doubt” and “The Master” co-star, who was found dead on February 2.

Officials at the luxury fashion firm subsequently sent out a press release with the snap of Adams holding the purse, adding, “We are pleased to announce Amy Adams carrying the Valentino Garavani Rockstud Duble bag from the Spring/Summer 2014 collection on Feb. 6 in New York.”

Company bosses were accused of exploiting the actor’s wake for publicity purposes, and executives have now issued an apology. Mona Swanson, VP of communications for Valentino USA, says in a statement, “We sincerely regret releasing a photo to the media of Amy Adams with a Valentino Bag. We were not aware the photograph was taken while she was attending the wake of Philip Seymour Hoffman. It was an innocent mistake and we apologize to Ms. Adams who was not aware, or a part of, our P.R. efforts.”

A representative for the actress has the designer brand, branding the stunt “truly appalling.”

The rep tells E! Online the actress “is not a paid spokesperson for Valentino, and the suggestion she would use this moment to participate in a promotion is truly appalling”.